回应： 推薦一款Flash游戲：How to Raise a Dragon

Dragons hatch alone; they are not brooding creatures. This is possible because of the high degree of autonomy of newly hatched dragons. Unlike human babies, hatchling dragons can fend for themselves.

While their wings are still vestigial, they can chase down and consume food without assistance, and are capable of defending themselves against predators.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Coloration

A dragon's scales can take on almost any color in the rainbow. Contrary to popular folklore, the color of the dragon has little to do with the dragon's temperment or abilities. The color of a dragon's scales depends entirely on the foods it eats when it is still a hatchling. It is unclear what causes a dragon to prefer one food over another -- it may simply be a matter of personal preference.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Capturing a Dragon

When still a hatchling, a dragon can be captured with relative ease using cleverness or magic. The benefits of a captive dragon are many; as magical creatures, even their droppings are useful in magical rituals. The ethics of holding captive a sentient creature are, of course, questionable... as is the wisdom of keeping such a creature for too long.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Adolescent

After several years, the newly born dragon will have grown considerably. It will be as tall as a human being, and will have achieved a great deal of strength and intelligence. A captive adolescent is not likely to stay captive for very long. The wings of an adolescent are not developed enough for true flight, but they are able to provide some lift, allowing the dragon to extend the height and length of its jumps.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Breath Powers

The most distinctive ability of the dragon is the breath power. Dragons can channel magic through their mouths to cause amazing effects: searing fire, healing mist, or even a burst of water and magic that can cause plants to grow with incredible speed. Each dragon only has a single breath ability, and it seems to be determined by the dragon's diet as an adolescent. Some dragons lack any breath ability at all, perhaps due to insufficient nutrition.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Fire Breath

Fire breath is, in the minds of the peasantry, the most memorable of a dragon's abilities. By producing flammable gases within its stomach and lighting them with a special gland on the roof of the mouth, a dragon can produce a flame hot enough to incinerate most anything in its path.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Growth Breath

Certain dragons gain the ability to produce a stream of magically charged water from their mouths, which has a swift and dramatic affect on nearby vegetation. In an instant, a plant that seemed dead will be revived, and crops will flourish. Some dragons have been known to use this ability to avert famine in human communities. Others have chosen to become avengers of the forest, and fight for the plants against encroaching humans.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Healing Breath

A dragon who has ingested certain herbs and mystical substances during adolescence can produce a healing mist from its nostrils. This substance is as effective as the best man- made salves, and can cure most ailments. This ability is sometimes used selfishly, so that the dragon can amuse itself or reward loyal servants. Folk tales more often tell of those dragons who have turned the power to benevolent purposes.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Escape

There are no known cases of a captive dragon being kept past late adolescence. The dragon is too intelligent and strong-willed to be held in captivity once its body and mind develop past human levels. The luckiest captors simply awake one day to find their "pets" missing. The less fortunate receive object lessons in the consequences of crossing dragons.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Forgiveness

Occasionally, a captive dragon will forgive its captor and perform an act of kindness in a time of need. The dragon is in every way a superior beast to the human: superior in mind, superior in body, and superior in heart. When a dragon shows anger, it burns brighter than any human rage, but draconic forgiveness shines even brighter. Only the most callous of captors could resist releasing such a noble beast.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Adulthood

An adult dragon is at least half a century in age, several stories tall, and capable of eating a cow or human in a bite. Cruel dragons will often land on humans, killing them. An adult dragon can soar into the air by flapping its wings or glide by holding them out. A newly adult dragon must first find a home. Good homes are secure locations with a view of the nearby land. One can always tell when a dragon has chosen a new home: it will rest motionless in a spot for a time.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Human Interaction

The history of human-dragon interactions is a complex one. Some dragons ignore humans altogether, while others cause cruel and arbitrary destruction. Occasionally, a dragon will set itself up in a position of power over humans, either as a strict overlord or a gracious protector. An adult dragon is a fearsome sight, and is effectively impervious to all but the most dedicated human attackers.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Guardian

Sometimes a dragon will set itself up as a guardian of a human settlement. It may be out of true benevolence, or perhaps the same sort of condescending concern we humans have toward our pets. The motivations of dragons are inscrutable. These guardians are sometimes kind, and sometimes strict. Among humans, they can generate love or resentment.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Tyrant

History is full of stories about tyrant dragons. These cruel creatures take control of human settlements by force, and rule with firm claws and quick judgement. Many of these tyrants seem motivated by the tribute they demand from their human subjects, while others appear to simply desire power. Whatever their reasons, draconic tyrants can rule for centuries before they are toppled by a human hero.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Scourge

The draconic scourge is a fearsome creature. These beasts cause destruction for no apparent reason. Sometimes they demand a tribute of riches or human sacrifice, but at other times they just destroy and retreat back to their distant lairs. Only the most intrepid of human heroes can approach a scourge, whether to give tribute or defeat the beast.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Watcher

The watcher is the most mysterious of dragons. It does little harm to humans, and contents itself with staying away from all civilization. These dragons are rarely regarded as threats to civilization. They only occasionally cause damage to human settlements, and will often only hurt humans who attempt to attack them. The heroes who attempt to destroy these dragons are typically motivated by personal fame, rather than protecting civilization.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Hero

For every dragon, there is a single human capable of posing a threat. This hero or heroine seems to have a link of destiny with the dragon. Sometimes, the hero is a warrior who sets out to destroy the dragon. Alternately, the hero may decide to befriend the dragon and work by its side. The hero may even be sent to pay tribute to a draconic tyrant. Just like dragons, heroes can be good or evil. They are recognizable only by their tremendous strength.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Stalemate

When a truly determined hero faces an equally strong dragon, there is only one way a fight can end. The dragon, in its dying throes, will strike out at the hero and deal the fragile human a fatal blow. This is a fate that both dragon and hero are prepared for. When one transcends the ordinary, one expects an extraordinary end. The hero pays the ultimate price for a legendary victory.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Dragonslayer

Death is a constant risk, even for the nigh-immortal dragon. While dragons can live millenia, one final arrow fired by a fierce heart can end the noblest of lives. The human who slays a dragon will go down in history, but the dragon will also live forever in the hero's story. It means nothing to slay a weak beast, and so the legend of a dragonslayer also serves to honor the dragon who gave its life to the hero's legacy.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Death of a Hero

Some heroes are not meant to survive. Some beasts cannot be slain. A hero who falters, or who confronts a dragon too soon, or who is simply unlucky, will die. This is the risk a hero embraces when venturing out on the ultimate quest. A hero is not a hero because of bravery; a hero is one who does what must be done even though it is frightening, even though it is hard, and even though it may end in failure.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Friendship

With the proper gifts and greetings, a hero can befriend a dragon. The partnership thus formed is as strong a bond as family or marriage. The hero and the dragon will fight for each other and serve as constant companions. Such a partnership between two dissimilar beings is special. The greatest deeds in history were done by heroes paired with dragons, and I would venture that there is no more powerful force on earth.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

Servitude

Through the appropriate tribute, a hero can appease a dragon enough to temper its attitudes toward humans. The hero must bring a gift and pledge service to the dragon. In doing so, the hero becomes a tool of the dragon, to advance the creature's agenda. This provides the hero great power, but it also means that the hero's freedom is granted only at the whim of the dragon. If a dragon abandons a servant, the servant is often executed by the other humans under the dragon's control.

回应： 推薦一款Flash游戲：How to Raise a Dragon

Dragons hatch alone; they are not brooding creatures. This is possible because of the high degree of autonomy of newly hatched dragons. Unlike human babies, hatchling dragons can fend for themselves.

While their wings are still vestigial, they can chase down and consume food without assistance, and are capable of defending themselves against predators.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

雛龍

龍蛋獨立孵化，他們不是築巢型的生物。之所以這能成為可能，是因為新生幼龍有很強的自立能力。和人類的新生兒不同，雛龍懂得照顧自己。

盡管他們的翅膀還未發育，他們也能獨立捕獵，保護自己不受其他掠食者的傷害。

——占星家，X.R.奎利安

Coloration

A dragon's scales can take on almost any color in the rainbow. Contrary to popular folklore, the color of the dragon has little to do with the dragon's temperment or abilities. The color of a dragon's scales depends entirely on the foods it eats when it is still a hatchling. It is unclear what causes a dragon to prefer one food over another -- it may simply be a matter of personal preference.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

着色

龍的鱗片几乎可以是任何顔色。與傳說中相反，龍的顔色與他們的性情或能力沒有任何關係。

龍鱗的顔色完全取決於他們幼年時吃的食物。目前尚不清楚龍為什麼偏愛某一種食物——大概僅僅是個體喜好。

——占星家，X.R.奎利安

Capturing a Dragon

When still a hatchling, a dragon can be captured with relative ease using cleverness or magic. The benefits of a captive dragon are many; as magical creatures, even their droppings are useful in magical rituals. The ethics of holding captive a sentient creature are, of course, questionable... as is the wisdom of keeping such a creature for too long.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

捕捉一條龍

當龍還處於幼年時，是可以靠聰明才智或魔法來捕捉他們的。捉住一條龍有很多好處，作為一種魔法生物，即使是他們的排泄物，對修煉魔法也十分有用。

從倫理上講，佔有一只有情的生物，毫無疑問，值得商榷……靠着智慧長時間留住如此的生物。

——占星家，X.R.奎利安

Adolescent

After several years, the newly born dragon will have grown considerably. It will be as tall as a human being, and will have achieved a great deal of strength and intelligence. A captive adolescent is not likely to stay captive for very long. The wings of an adolescent are not developed enough for true flight, but they are able to provide some lift, allowing the dragon to extend the height and length of its jumps.

The most distinctive ability of the dragon is the breath power. Dragons can channel magic through their mouths to cause amazing effects: searing fire, healing mist, or even a burst of water and magic that can cause plants to grow with incredible speed. Each dragon only has a single breath ability, and it seems to be determined by the dragon's diet as an adolescent. Some dragons lack any breath ability at all, perhaps due to insufficient nutrition.

回应： 推薦一款Flash游戲：How to Raise a Dragon

Fire Breath

Fire breath is, in the minds of the peasantry, the most memorable of a dragon's abilities. By producing flammable gases within its stomach and lighting them with a special gland on the roof of the mouth, a dragon can produce a flame hot enough to incinerate most anything in its path.

--X. R. Quilliam, Magus

火焰龍息

火焰龍息是平民百姓心中最難忘記的龍息。通過胃部産生可燃氣體，通過口腔頂部的特殊腺體點燃，龍可以噴射出几乎能燒盡一切的高溫火焰。

——占星家，X.R.奎利安

Growth Breath

Certain dragons gain the ability to produce a stream of magically charged water from their mouths, which has a swift and dramatic affect on nearby vegetation. In an instant, a plant that seemed dead will be revived, and crops will flourish. Some dragons have been known to use this ability to avert famine in human communities. Others have chosen to become avengers of the forest, and fight for the plants against encroaching humans.

A dragon who has ingested certain herbs and mystical substances during adolescence can produce a healing mist from its nostrils. This substance is as effective as the best man- made salves, and can cure most ailments. This ability is sometimes used selfishly, so that the dragon can amuse itself or reward loyal servants. Folk tales more often tell of those dragons who have turned the power to benevolent purposes.

回应： 推薦一款Flash游戲：How to Raise a Dragon

Escape

There are no known cases of a captive dragon being kept past late adolescence. The dragon is too intelligent and strong-willed to be held in captivity once its body and mind develop past human levels. The luckiest captors simply awake one day to find their "pets" missing. The less fortunate receive object lessons in the consequences of crossing dragons.

Occasionally, a captive dragon will forgive its captor and perform an act of kindness in a time of need. The dragon is in every way a superior beast to the human: superior in mind, superior in body, and superior in heart. When a dragon shows anger, it burns brighter than any human rage, but draconic forgiveness shines even brighter. Only the most callous of captors could resist releasing such a noble beast.

回应： 推薦一款Flash游戲：How to Raise a Dragon

Adulthood

An adult dragon is at least half a century in age, several stories tall, and capable of eating a cow or human in a bite. Cruel dragons will often land on humans, killing them. An adult dragon can soar into the air by flapping its wings or glide by holding them out. A newly adult dragon must first find a home. Good homes are secure locations with a view of the nearby land. One can always tell when a dragon has chosen a new home: it will rest motionless in a spot for a time.

The history of human-dragon interactions is a complex one. Some dragons ignore humans altogether, while others cause cruel and arbitrary destruction. Occasionally, a dragon will set itself up in a position of power over humans, either as a strict overlord or a gracious protector. An adult dragon is a fearsome sight, and is effectively impervious to all but the most dedicated human attackers.

Sometimes a dragon will set itself up as a guardian of a human settlement. It may be out of true benevolence, or perhaps the same sort of condescending concern we humans have toward our pets. The motivations of dragons are inscrutable. These guardians are sometimes kind, and sometimes strict. Among humans, they can generate love or resentment.

History is full of stories about tyrant dragons. These cruel creatures take control of human settlements by force, and rule with firm claws and quick judgement. Many of these tyrants seem motivated by the tribute they demand from their human subjects, while others appear to simply desire power. Whatever their reasons, draconic tyrants can rule for centuries before they are toppled by a human hero.

The draconic scourge is a fearsome creature. These beasts cause destruction for no apparent reason. Sometimes they demand a tribute of riches or human sacrifice, but at other times they just destroy and retreat back to their distant lairs. Only the most intrepid of human heroes can approach a scourge, whether to give tribute or defeat the beast.

The watcher is the most mysterious of dragons. It does little harm to humans, and contents itself with staying away from all civilization. These dragons are rarely regarded as threats to civilization. They only occasionally cause damage to human settlements, and will often only hurt humans who attempt to attack them. The heroes who attempt to destroy these dragons are typically motivated by personal fame, rather than protecting civilization.

回应： 推薦一款Flash游戲：How to Raise a Dragon

Hero

For every dragon, there is a single human capable of posing a threat. This hero or heroine seems to have a link of destiny with the dragon. Sometimes, the hero is a warrior who sets out to destroy the dragon. Alternately, the hero may decide to befriend the dragon and work by its side. The hero may even be sent to pay tribute to a draconic tyrant. Just like dragons, heroes can be good or evil. They are recognizable only by their tremendous strength.

When a truly determined hero faces an equally strong dragon, there is only one way a fight can end. The dragon, in its dying throes, will strike out at the hero and deal the fragile human a fatal blow. This is a fate that both dragon and hero are prepared for. When one transcends the ordinary, one expects an extraordinary end. The hero pays the ultimate price for a legendary victory.

Death is a constant risk, even for the nigh-immortal dragon. While dragons can live millenia, one final arrow fired by a fierce heart can end the noblest of lives. The human who slays a dragon will go down in history, but the dragon will also live forever in the hero's story. It means nothing to slay a weak beast, and so the legend of a dragonslayer also serves to honor the dragon who gave its life to the hero's legacy.

Some heroes are not meant to survive. Some beasts cannot be slain. A hero who falters, or who confronts a dragon too soon, or who is simply unlucky, will die. This is the risk a hero embraces when venturing out on the ultimate quest. A hero is not a hero because of bravery; a hero is one who does what must be done even though it is frightening, even though it is hard, and even though it may end in failure.

With the proper gifts and greetings, a hero can befriend a dragon. The partnership thus formed is as strong a bond as family or marriage. The hero and the dragon will fight for each other and serve as constant companions. Such a partnership between two dissimilar beings is special. The greatest deeds in history were done by heroes paired with dragons, and I would venture that there is no more powerful force on earth.

Through the appropriate tribute, a hero can appease a dragon enough to temper its attitudes toward humans. The hero must bring a gift and pledge service to the dragon. In doing so, the hero becomes a tool of the dragon, to advance the creature's agenda. This provides the hero great power, but it also means that the hero's freedom is granted only at the whim of the dragon. If a dragon abandons a servant, the servant is often executed by the other humans under the dragon's control.